From Black & White to Beautifully Warm

From a traditional black-and-white bathroom to a warm, contemporary space, this renovation shows the transformative impact of a travertine-inspired tile. We spoke with Steve from MC&Co about the decision to choose Mystone Travertino Classico Matt, from its natural movement and timeless appeal to the practical considerations that made it right for the bathroom.

This is a dramatic transformation from the original black-and-white bathroom. What did you want the new space to feel like, and how did that vision influence your choice of Mystone Travertino Classico Matt?

We wanted the new bathroom to feel modern and refined, but still warm and inviting. Mystone Travertino Classico Matt offered the perfect combination of elegance, natural character and durability, giving us a sophisticated look that would also work beautifully for everyday living.

Why did you choose a travertine-look tile rather than natural stone or another finish, and what was it about the colour, movement and texture of Mystone Travertino that appealed to you?

After a great deal of deliberation, we chose the vein-cut travertine look for its texture, movement and natural feel. We loved the character of natural stone, but were conscious that it could be more porous and demanding to maintain. These tiles gave us the aesthetic we wanted without those practical concerns—and they were easier for our tiler to work with. We also considered the home’s future resale appeal, so the choice needed to feel elegant yet timeless.

You’ve used the 600x600mm format on the walls and 300x600mm on the floor. What was the thinking behind combining the two formats, and how does that help create such a seamless, expansive result?

This combination was recommended by our tiler, who also completed our other bathroom and kitchen. The larger wall tiles help create the illusion of more space in what is quite a compact room, while the smaller floor format is practical for achieving the correct falls and drainage. The floor tiles also align beautifully with the wall tiles, helping the entire room feel cohesive and seamless.

The same tile palette runs across the walls, floor and shower, yet the bathroom still has plenty of depth and character. How important was tonal consistency in creating the calm, sophisticated look you were after?

There was plenty of back and forth about whether we should use a combination of tile shapes and colours, but ultimately we felt this one tile had enough character and movement to carry the entire room.

We began to think of the tiles as the suit, with the towels and decorative pieces acting as the accessories—the shirt, tie and cufflinks. It gives us the freedom to dress the room up or down and introduce different colours over time. At the moment, we’re using deep chocolate towels to complement the dark oak vanity and bring another layer of warmth and depth to the space.

Renovations often reveal a few surprises once demolition begins. What did you discover behind the walls, and did anything you uncovered change the renovation process or your original plans?

We certainly found more than we bargained for: an old beehive complete with stalactites of honeycomb, as well as active ant and cockroach nests—probably all attracted by the honey! Fortunately, none of it forced us to change the design, and once everything had been properly cleared, we were able to continue with the original plan.

Looking at the finished bathroom now, what do you think the tile choice has contributed most to the transformation—and what advice would you give someone choosing tiles for a bathroom they want to still love in ten or twenty years?

Mystone Travertino Classico Matt has given the bathroom a quality that feels both elevated and grounded. We’ll admit that it was initially quite a shock moving from a traditional black-and-white bathroom to such a warm, minimalist travertine-inspired space, but we now see it as a fresh and timeless transformation with genuine longevity.

Our advice would be to choose something you truly love, but also be a little brave and open to trying something different. Look for tiles that complement the character of your home without being too predictable, and consider how the space can evolve through styling rather than relying on trends.